Meet Assam’s Gitika Talukdar, The Only Indian Woman Selected To Cover 2026 FIFA World Cup

Gitika Talukdar, a photojournalist from Assam, has made history as the only Indian woman officially chosen by FIFA to cover the 2026 Men’s World Cup, her third consecutive assignment after the tournaments in Russia (2018) and Qatar (2022). The 2026 event, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature 48 teams—the largest in FIFA history—and Talukdar’s selection underscores her growing influence in sports media. Her journey has been marked by perseverance. Early in her career, she faced skepticism and hostility, including a mob smashing her camera and an injury that left her bedridden for three months. Despite warnings from relatives and doubts about women in sports journalism, she continued pursuing her passion, attending events worldwide and breaking barriers in a male-dominated field. Talukdar’s career spans nearly two decades, during which she has covered major global sporting events, including the 2019 and 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cups, the Tokyo Olympics (2020), and the upcoming Paris Olympics (2024). Her repeated FIFA accreditation highlights her skill and dedication, solidifying her reputation in international sports photography. Originally from Assam, Talukdar studied in Kendriya Vidyalayas before earning a scholarship to study Global Sports Management at Seoul National University, supported by South Korea’s Ministry of Sports and Culture. Her work has not only challenged industry norms but also inspired aspiring female journalists in India and beyond. The 2026 World Cup assignment is more than a professional milestone for Talukdar; it symbolizes her resilience against adversity. From overcoming physical setbacks to proving her place in a competitive field, her story reflects the power of determination in achieving success.